By PAUL LIOTTI
When a team tastes success with a championship, it’s time to savor the feeling. But then reality sets in: You are no longer the HUNTER; you have become the HUNTED. Such are the sentiments at Wilson and McQuaid as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Last year McQuaid reigned supreme by sweeping their 5 RCAC opponents to take home the league championship which included a nail-biting 10-8 victory over Wilson in the defacto RCAC championship game on the day of the regular season. It was the Knights second consecutive RCAC title. Wilson, though, put that loss behind them to sweep through Class A sectionals taste championship success on their own.
Both teams will attempt to defend their crowns, but they will have to do it against an explosive East High squad and hold of an Edison team looking to make some noise.
Here is our preview of the RCAC.
EAST
Class: A
League: RCAC
Co-Coaches: James Vann and Steve Flagler (1st seasons at East; 0-0 career)
Last year: 4-5 (2-0 Connors & Ferris Bowl Class A Champs)
Returning Starters (Offense): 6
Returning Starters (Defense): 5
Key Returners: Bobby Searight (sr, OL/DL), Freddie Brock (jr, RB/DB), Deljon Johnson (sr, RB/LB), Malik McCray (sr, WR/DB), Kary James (sr, WR/DB), Jakye Williams (sr, OL/DL)
Top Newcomer: Seven McGee (so, RB/DB)
Notes: There is plenty of talent on this year’s squad and co-coaches Van and Flagler are working hard to change the culture of the program rich in tradition and success. Expectations are high on East Main Street, especially with the arrival of ballyhooed sophomore McGee, a transfer from California. McGee has already received offers from Division I Southern Cal, Alabama, Syracuse and Florida, has ‘pre-committed’ to Oregon, rushed for over 1100 yards as 12 touchdowns while logging 42 tackles. Seven will be easy to spot as his number is, you guessed it, 7.
Key Game: Week 3 against Wilson at Marina Auto Stadium.
EDISON
Class: AA
League: RCAC
Coach: Jack Dees (3rd season at Edison; 8-8 career)
Last year: 4-4 (Lost to Victor in Class AA Quarterfinals)
Returning Starters (Offense): 6
Returning Starters (Defense): 5
Key Returners: D’Ohntae Puryear (sr, Captain, QB/DB), Jotham Denegal (sr, Captain, OL/DL), Geovanni Brown (sr, OL/DL), Omar Jarvis (sr, Captain, WR/DB), Mike Cathey (jr, RB/LB), Jameel Mclendon (sr, OL/DL)
Notes: Edison returns enough of its core on both sides of the ball to make some noise in the RCAC and Class AA. The Inventors will find out early as they open against defending RCAC champ McQuaid, and finish against defending Class A champ Wilson.
Key Game: Week 7 hosting Wilson and it could be for the RCAC title.
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Class: AA
League: RCAC
Coach: Christopher Taylor
Last year: 2-6 (0-1 in Connors & Ferris Bowl)
Notes: Leadership will be combining forces with Northeast/Northwest and Vanguard.
Key Game: Week 7 hosting Bishop Kearney at Franklin. Outcome will impact the playoffs
MCQUAID JESUIT
Class: AA
League: RCAC
Coach: Bobby Bates
Last year: 7-2 (Lost to Pittsford in Class AA Semifinals)
Key Game: Week 6 on the road at arch rival Aquinas, a game that sure to have AA seeding implications.
MONROE
Class: B
League: RCAC
Coach: Jason Muhammad (3rd season at Monroe; 49-53 career)
Last year: 2-7 (1-1 in Connors & Ferris Bowl)
Returning Starters (Offense): 5
Returning Starters (Defense): 5
Key Returners: Tyquil Glasgow (sr, WR/DB)
Key Losses:
Notes: Glasgow will be the centerpiece of the offense looking to replicate 955-yard performance from a year ago. Monroe will look to build around him, but the schedule is brutal with games against Wilson (defending A Champ), East (A), Edison (AA) and Webster Thomas (A).
Key Game: Week 2 hosting East in Monroe’s new football facility.
WILSON
Class: A
League: RCAC
Coach: Gregory Mortier (18th season at Wilson)
Last year: 9-2 (Class A Champions/Lost to West Seneca West in State Quarterfinals)
Returning Starters (Offense): 8
Returning Starters (Defense): 8
Key Returners: Ricky Gamble (sr, Captain, WR/DB), Desi Floyd (sr, Captain, RB/DE), Nasir King (sr, WR/DB), Mikquon Williams (sr OL/DL), Jervon Johnson (sr, Captain, WR/DB), Jah’kier Moore (jr, WR/DB), Koby Boston (jr, OL/DL), Amir Buckhannon (sr, OL/LB)
Notes: Wilson now goes from the hunter to the hunted. Last season was a banner year for the Wildcats and it started with their defense which allowed a paltry 38 points in the 7 regular season games. But with 16 starters returning, including NYS First Teamer Gamble and NYS Third Teamer Desi Floyd, the ‘Cats have set themselves up quite well to make a deep run.
Key Game: Week 5 on the road at Class AA McQuaid. An excellent opportunity late in the season to stay ahead of the Class A curve.
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